Question

___________ fires do not allow the open flaming to complete a reaction with pure air, which in turn leads to increasing volumes of carbon monoxide as well as the aforementioned smoke products.

A) Smoldering
B) Incendiary
C) Combustible
D) Ventilation limited

Answer 1

Smoldering fires do not complete combustion due to limited oxygen availability, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of fires described in the question are Smoldering fires. These fires do not allow for complete combustion due to a limited supply of oxygen. When there is inadequate oxygen, the combustion of carbon-based fuels can result in the production of carbon monoxide (CO) instead of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This incomplete combustion occurs in a manner similar to the reaction of methane in limited oxygen:

(1) 2 C(s) + O₂(g) → 2 CO(g)

Moreover, in cases such as unventilated or improperly adjusted heaters that use gas or kerosene, this type of incomplete combustion is responsible for hazardous conditions leading to injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is imperative that fuel-burning appliances are well maintained and have proper ventilation to avoid the production of harmful combustion pollutants.